Reviewing the Charcoal Chicken: Rooster Bar (128 Station St Fairfield, VIC 3078)

When in Fairfield...

A cliché which has been prevalent in modern day society.
When in Fairfield you are able to find one of the most historic and memorable Charcoal Chicken stores in Melbourne. Which has existed since the days of the Original Pokémon series, way before Carlton FC won it's last premiership and certainly long before Humphrey was axed from television and doesn't look like its about to depart from its universal location anytime soon.

So what is this classical, ancient and original Charcoal Chicken store named:
 "Rooster Bar". Very original and authentic to say the least. But how does the Rooster bar fare to other Charcoal Chicken stores around Melbourne? Well considering its long standing existence, they must be doing something right and certainly should have a leg up on the competition being present in the Charcoal Chicken industry for so long.


So shall we begin where we should always? The Chicken. 3 words: Pungent, satisfying but dull. The chicken was satisfying and definitely above average but it wasn't the cream of the crop. It tasted a little bland overall but certain parts of the chicken were exceptional, especially considering their breast was pungent. Certain parts of the chicken such as the drumstick were very untasty and presented with a dull texture, the wing was characteristically dry and tasteless. The breast was definitely the most gratifying part of the chicken as it was succulent and zesty, come to the stuffing which was chunky and well formed but was very oily and finally the skin was overcooked and dry in some areas of the chicken. It was very uncharacteristic of a Charcoal Chicken store to have so many positives and negatives in one pot and it seems as if Rooster Bar were compensating in certain areas of their chicken but other areas such as the breast they got spot on.


The chips were hot, piquant and above average but again Rooster bar seems to be compensating their quality of their chips with their relevant size. The chips were above average but the size of most of the chips were tiny and predominately the smaller chips seemed to be tasteless and paltry.

Salad I could not comment on as I did not attempt to consume some of their well presented salads but they seemed to look inviting.

Service was spot on and they staff seemed to be nice and talkative. They brought the order to the table with nice, clean plates, stainless steel cutlery and there was many napkin dispensers around the restaurant. The restaurants atmosphere was absolutely astounding and breathtaking with tables, booths and even seats to wait for take-away! It is very clean and respectable inside and is impressive for its location and size.


Parking is very respectable and parallel parking out the front is usually pretty easy to find.
Pricing is reasonably fixated and is around $10.90 for a righteous half chicken and chips

Rooster bar has a terrific set up and atmosphere and is the ideal place and venue for a Charocal Chicken store but they seem to excel in certain areas and disappoint in others. Their Chicken Breast, taste of their chips, service, atmosphere and location all seem to tick the boxes in their fine establishment but certain aspects such as flavourless drumsticks, dry chicken wings, chips size and length and slight price elevation seem to grab Rooster Bar by their ankles and throw them back down to earth to the mid-section of Charcoal Chicken stores in Melbourne.
Rooster Bar need to reconsider some of these factors to be a powerhouse in their sector to elaborate on their historical experience in the industry and propel them to Charcoal Chicken glory.

Rooster Bar Charcoal Chicken rating:

7.5/10 Check this review out on Urbanspoon:

Edoitorial: Contagious nature of "Obessive Charcoal Chicken Disorder"

Recently I have partook in research and analysis on the contagious nature of Obsessive Charcoal Chicken Disorder also known as OCCD. In my initial "introduction post" of this almighty and omnipotent blog (published est. 2/08/14) I described chicken as being "eternal" and it being a "lifestyle". OCCD was described as "growing on me" like a "disease" which is contagious.

Fortunately and Ironically it has done just that. In this research assignment three case studies were performed on three courageous and determined individuals who are all very close to me were subdued and tempted by the almighty claws of charcoal chicken, lets see how they responded...

Case Study 1: Stephanie I****** who for confidentiality agreements cannot be fully disclosed who is a very close acquaintance of myself and has known me even prior to the onset of my OCCD disorder. Stephanie has laboured in the hospitality industry for an extensive amount of years and knows the suitable and satisfactory taste, feel and smell of a adequate charcoal chicken and has accompanied me throughout some of my Chicken adventures.

Case Study 2: Domenic Colosimo this formidable and intelligent human being is the second hand man in the Charocal Chicken expedition who has been by my side throughout the charcoal chicken adventures and together we have experienced many different and adverse situations, tastes, smell and textures of Charcoal Chicken. Domenic has been consuming charcoal chicken for months on end and will someday acquire enough experience and consume enough chicken to be at my level.

Here is an image of Domenic who seems to be anticipating his charcoal chicken and chips clearly anxious and restless. An obvious symptom of OCCD

Upon receiving his portion he seems to be in complete harmony

Case Study 3: Matt Casilli who is an intrinsic, knowledgeable and highly intelligent character and has been chaperoned along to the depths of Melbourne to provide intellectual insight and knowledgeable descriptions of the aromatic tastes which we were consuming at various charcoal chicken stores. This sublime individual also introduced myself to the supreme Lyndarum Charcoal Chicken store found to be a gem hidden in the forests of Epping. He has been a voyager on my charcoal chicken journey to find the best charcoal chicken store in Melbourne and has been very advantageous and pragmatic along this elegant voyage.

Another unhappy and very impatient case study awaiting his meal. Collecting his thoughts and the glimmering illusion of charcoal chicken.

Matthew seems to be in utopia, hysterical and unable to control his inherent emotions. A clear cut diagnosis of OCCD

These three case studies have in fact been very close to me personally and I believe that all three have been diagnosed with Obsessive Charcoal Chicken Disorder within the last few months. They experience early and progressive symptoms such as craving the fine, delicate taste of charcoal chicken and chips and it was stated by one as "I cannot live without it". Another of the case studies said to myself the other day "Do you want to get charcoal chicken? I am really craving it". Another of the three individuals voyaged to HotRock Chicken store in Bundoora by oneself to consume their titillating charcoal chicken and then went onto consume charcoal chicken at another store later that evening! There is no doubt OCCD is starting to have an effect on these fine individual's life and soon their addiction will spread to others around them. OCCD will soon become a progressive pathology striking all around Melbourne and eventually; the world.....

However as I elaborated in my initial blog, this OCCD disorder "when controlled" it can be "heaven" and is courageously defined as the "knight in shining armour which sweeps one off their feet".

If these Case studies are able to supress and control their urges than I believe that the addiction can be restrained and gratified. However, how about certain individuals who cannot control certain urges? Those who have something missing in their cerebral cortex which leads to inability to be able to control their temptations? Such as Kleptomania; which is a disorder where people who do not have the ability to resist stealing due to a absence of a certain part of their brain. In the worst case scenario this Obsessive Charcoal Chicken Disorder could rapidly spread and become an epidemic for the population of the world to experience. Or it could be another pathology in which these luxurious urges are supressed by the vast population of people in the world with the exception of a few individuals who genetically and psychologically will not be able to....


link to Initial blog post: Introduction to Charcoal Chicken

Reviewing the Charcoal Chicken: Bee' Bee' Q (95 Upper Heidelberg Road Ivanhoe, VIC 3079)

Newly established chicken restaurant in the heart of Ivanhoe, curiosity shrouded my thoughts as peculiar name of: Bee Bee Q obviously trying to imitate the acronym and metonym of BBQ or barbecue respectively. It pops up down the road from the Ivanhoe Chicken Bar to introduce some fiery and fierce competitors in the Ivanhoe area, so how does it fare?

Well, as always lets start with the chicken: Overall the chicken was substantially overcooked. From flaky skin which seemed impossible to peel off and separate from the chicken to overcooked, dry and an un-tasty chicken wing which was overcooked excessively to render it uneatable. The stuffing was very obsidian and inky and seemed to be overdressed with oil and was too chunky; which seems to be a direct correlation and characteristic to overcooked chicken. In relation to the breast alone, strangely it was perfectly cooked and very appetizing, flavoursome and pungent. It seems the Bee Bee Q could not seem to consistently cook the chicken as they seem to use the breast as an indicator to when the chicken is ready to eat and not assessing the entire chock. (Pictures on right column to accompany)

Onto the chips; had too much crushed sea salt and an under portion of chicken salt however the chips seemed to be decent size in length and filled with luscious, succulent and extensive amounts of potato. The insignificant amount of chicken salt subjectively tasted like wholesale chicken salt as opposed to homemade or local spices which should accompany. Also the regular chips seems to be tiny portioned for its price.

Very small area inside to eat in with 3 tiny tables and another decently sized bar top by the window, there are also 3 tables outside

Couldn't judge the salads but they seemed to have an adequate range of salads in their arranged, specialized salad bar. Also the burgers which I saw them making looked like they put a lot more effort into making and garnishing as opposed to the overcooked chicken

Customer service was alright however needed a little bit of attention as both staff members seemed to be more focused on texting on their cell phones instead of making sure the chicken was consistently cooked all around.

Parking is a slight hassle as it is located on Upper Heidelberg Road and parking is usually maximum of an hour. Price was reasonable at 11 dollars per half chicken and chips.

Bee Bee Q has perfected the breast of the chicken however they seem to be lacking on the overall palatableness of their chicken and chips. Maybe if they spent more time on preparing, cooking and garnishing their chicken and chips instead of their burgers they could be able to pick up their game to compete with the likes of KOTA chicken's homemade oregano, Preston Chicken shack's perfectly seasoned chips or Croxton Roosters consistent quality and taste of their chickens.


Bee Bee Q charcoal chicken rating:


6.9/10


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Reviewing the Charcoal Chicken: Charcoal Plus Chickens (321 Spring St Reservoir, VIC 3073)

Reservoir, Rezza, Rezzi..... where do I go from here? a 20 minute drive to KOTA charcoal chicken in Doncaster, a voyage to Lyndarum in Epping or should I make an embolus pit stop at Charcoal Plus Chickens in Rezza?


Charcoal Plus Chickens in situated in the heart of the disdain and amusing Reservoir which is sure to attract many intriguing and fascinating human beings from a naïve teenage mothers to curious and amusing senior Mary-Jane lovers to strange and somewhat ravishing  tremendously experienced charcoal chicken bloggers.


To start like I always do; with the notorious taste of the charcoal chicken. Shortly put the chicken at Charcoal Plus Chickens was partially suitable and humdrum and was tedious to taste. The breast was adequate and was slightly above average to say the best, possibly edible without chips or stuffing to enhance the taste. The stuffing to accompany was not bad however was overly greasy and oily for a stuffing and didn't compliment the intrinsic taste of the chicken.


Chips are somewhat off-form and below par for a charcoal chicken diner and seem to be bland and tasteless with little seasoning and below par quantities of chicken salt. However the chips were large and had a substantial and meaningful amount of potato to salvage some character and redeem Reservoir chicken from the depths of blogger scrutiny.


There was plentiful tables indoors and was suitable for eat in for groups of 2-4. The atmosphere of the room was a little dull and walls looked partially dirty however the cheery yellow walls sure lightened up my night and sent me into a jubilant mood.


The service was average and was to the point as the couple behind the counter didn't seem to be able to communicate English accurately but substantial enough to order a "chicken and chips cut into 8"


Parking is pretty substantial with parking out the back car park for 2 hours minimum.
In terms of quality to dollar ration they seem to be to some extent proportionally overpriced compared to other charcoal chicken stores in Melbourne which offer and produce superior poultry.


Charcoal Plus Chickens seems to have a direct correlation with its surrounding suburb: from intriguing and fascinating with its shiny yellow walls, potato filled chips and partially-English speaking workers to disdain with its overly oily stuffing,  its unseasoned chips and humdrum tasting chicken.


Charcoal Plus Chickens charcoal chicken rating:


6.2/10


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Reviewing the Charcoal Chicken: Sammy's Charcoal Chicken (8 Commercial Place Eltham, VIC 3095)

A long and windy hike to the hills of Eltham, was it an adventure worth making in the long run to arrive at the reputable Sammy's Chicken?


Choosing to go for a drive into the depths of the woods in Eltham after I was strongly recommended by a former employee of Sammy's Charcoal Chicken to discover the adversity and contingency that the charcoal chicken was going to present to myself.


Sammy's Charcoal Chicken at first glance is a very welcoming and friendly environment, it looks clean and has a great layout with about 3 tables inside and another 3-4 outside. Friendly owner and staff who welcome you with a smile and are pretty helpful with choosing the required and suitable meal for consumption.


Sammy's charcoal chicken seems to put a lot of time and effort into their salads. This is very surprising and refreshing as most charcoal chicken stores do not have adequate salads but at Sammy's they looked appetizing to say the least. They had a huge variety of about 8-10  salads and the salad I ordered was very refreshing, tasty and complimented the chicken & chips which accompanied.


The chicken was tender, succulent and supple. It is said to be Gluten free chicken and free range which the website claims, but the chicken didn't taste a lot different to other non-gluten free stores.
The breast of the chicken was very nice and luscious which is not easy to obtain at any charcoal chicken store. The chicken however is not to be eaten by itself here as it is lacking that final ingredient to perfection and requires at least chips or one of their delicate salads to accompany to fulfil its greatest potential. Another downside was that whilst eating the drumstick part of the chicken I noticed it was not cooked properly and it was red (pictures are on the right side panel), however I believe that hopefully it was just a one-off as the rest of the chicken was cooked to perfection thus didn't look like a consistent occurrence.


The chips were slightly above average and were large and filled with generous amounts of potato. They lacked a little bit of chicken salt however this was masked by the tasty salad which added to the blandness of the absence of the chicken salt in the chips.


Service was pretty fast, eat-in didn't look like much of a priority with I having to eat out of a takeaway container with a wooden fork but sufficed for a half chicken combo. Napkins at the front are given generously with service so no problem there.


Parking is also haste free with ample parking out the front for 30 minutes to 2 hours.


Price was just above average at 13.90 for half chicken, chips and a choice of a salad.


So was it worth the trip to Sammy's charcoal chicken? Yes
It was worth it because the chicken was fair and admirable, chips were above average just needed a little more chicken salt which is easily fixable and the salads were unbelievably good for a charcoal chicken store, they were good enough to be competing against the likes of Sumo Salad! Service was great and staff were friendly. However there a few little adjustments which Sammy's charcoal chicken needs to make before competing with the big guns of the Melbourne charcoal chicken industry.


Sammy's charcoal chicken rating:


8.5/10


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Reviewing the Charcoal Chicken: Super Rooster (15/190 Union Square Brunswick West, VIC 3055)

"Decent, inconsistent charcoals but lacks in quality"


Super Rooster in Union Square is situated just off Grattan St in Brunswick at the front of Union Square however it doesn't quite live up to the standards of an "off chops" charcoal chicken eatery and fails to deliver in quality, service and cleanliness.


The charcoal chicken is the only ingredient which upholds this exception. Sometimes describes as tasty and appetizing however lacks in consistency of the quality of the chicken. Sometimes it is delicious and tasty other dry and unsatisfying. This is disappointing as they have the potential to deliver quality charcoal chicken but fail sporadically.


The chips are always a miss and are very thin potatoes chips which are drenched in oil and are way to crispy and thin to provide any satisfaction. They sometimes skimp on chicken salt when it comes to the chips which is the main ingredient to render the chips somewhat edible with the limited potato occupying the centre of the chips.


Service is average as they usually struggle to understand you however the owner seems to be a friendly guy.


When it comes to takeaway there isn't much you can do wrong but Do NOT eat in. They give you unappetizing cardboard plates to eat off, plastic cutlery ,you have to ask for more napkins, the chips come in a take away box which fall everywhere, and they make you get up yourself to get your chicken and chips to bring to the table when it has been prepared. They usually give you the chicken in the takeaway bag which you have to open yourself and place a tissue under for a "makeshift plate" (picture on the right hand side "captioned: Union Square- Super Roosters"). There are about 2-3 tables inside and usually 2 tables outside so limited tables available Parking can be found out the front for 30 minutes to an hour or on Grattan St for 30 mins.


Cleanliness of the store is also a concern with usually dirty tables, dirty floors and windows.


Price is slightly above average which shouldn't be the case considering the inconsistency of their chickens and quality of service.


Super Rooster is without doubt one of the worst charcoal chicken stores I have visited in Melbourne. And after eating there 4-5 times to assess and valuate this charcoal chicken store I have come to a conclusion that I feel like it would be one of the last charcoal chicken stores that I would visit and would only go if I were desperate for a charcoal chicken fix.

In my opinion as a Charcoal Chicken food critic; Super Rooster really need to lift up their socks if they want to start competing with the likes of Croxton Roosters and Kota Chicken

Chicken is inconsistent
Chips are too thin and lack potato and chicken salt
Service especially for eat in is unsatisfactory
Limited napkins
Cleanliness of the store is a concern


Super Rooster chicken rating:
4.3/10

Check out this review on UrbanSpoon:

Reviewing the Charocal Chicken: Lyndarum Charcoal Chicken (Lyndarum Drive, Epping VIC 3076)

Explosive, fiery and rotisserie Charcoal Chicken born and bred at the Lyndarum.


What a wonderful world we have. Where you can go to a Charcoal Chicken store and buy a ticket to heaven, well.. at least a temporary ticket to heaven as soon as you have demolished that divine and delicate chicken laying in front of you.


The chicken wasn't dull, bland or unsatisfying but it was ferocious, fiery and fierce! The breast wasn't dry and bare but it was tasty and luscious.... The stuffing wasn't oily but it was delicious!
The chicken was absolutely close to perfection; for the breast, the stuffing and the overall palatable taste in which your tastebuds would go out the way to befriend this beautiful and gorgeous charcoal chicken!


The chips, my god, where satisfying and gratifying to compliment the divine chicken which exists at this charcoal chicken restaurant. They were covered with he right amount of chicken salt but could have been slightly larger to withstand more potato in their chips. Besides the size of the chips they were almost perfect and exactly what you'd expect.


The atmosphere and price where just right and there were a few tables inside and a few outside as well depending on the weather. Price was reasonable at around $11 for half chicken and chips.
Parking is not a problem as it is situated in the shopping precinct "Lyndarum" which means there is parking right out the front for minimum of an hour.


The owner and the staff where excellent and very friendly, I ended up having a 10 minute conversation with the manager which was enticing to say the least.
I cannot comment on the salad as I did not order it but the napkins and table service was excellent and there was a great range of cutlery including a proper stainless steel fork and steak knife to consume the chicken if cutley is needed.


Were were given cups and a bottle of tap water from the fridge which is a BONUS for charcoal chicken stores and was refreshing after the abundance of chips which I ate that day. The store looked relatively clean and looked like a hygienic and well looked after store


Lyndarum chicken sure did tick all the boxes for me and is definantly the best charcoal chicken store in the Epping area as did not fail to impress me.

Lyndarum Chicken rating:


9.2/10


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Reviewing the Charcoal Chicken: Dromana Charcoal Chicken (233 Point Nepean Road, VIC 3936 Dromana

Dromana Charcoal Chicken; Beside the beach...Or beside the Chicken?


Dromana Charcoal Chicken may be situated beside the beachside on point Nepean road in Dromana but the quality of the chickens certainty doesn't seem that way.


The Chicken's sure live up to the standards of a typical Charcoal Chicken store and the juiciness of the chickens exceed these standards. The chicken can be described as luscious, distinctive and toothsome. Stuffing was very tasty and succulent thus complimented the taste of the chicken excellently.


The chips on the other hand are below par as they exhibit and present a taste which is similar to that of 'Fish & Chips" style of chips and is easily distinguishable that the chips are fried in the same basket as the fish that they serve. This diminished the gratifying and divine taste which 'charcoal chicken' style chips present to compliment the toothsome chicken; which is present at Dromana Charcoal Chicken.


Okay so now onto the service: splendid! It was "A" grade service in regards to friendliness. The owner seems to be a genuine nice guy and cracks a few jokes to lighten up your mood. Plates and table service was poor however as I believe the store tries to focus on takeaway only, hence the plastic forks, knives, cups and the styrofoam takeaway containers which were presented. The napkin availability is inconvenient as there were none on the table and only one napkin per person was given.


The tables and store were reasonably clean and parking wasn't an issue as you can easily find a 1-2 hour parking around the block. Price was reasonable.



If you visiting Dromana charcoal chicken I would highly recommend the chicken and if you were to have the chips I would recommend a lot of chicken salt which is an attempt to slightly mask up the fishy taste of the chips. Takeaway is recommended and the owner will defiantly be sure to put a smile on your face!



Dromana Charcoal chicken rating:
7.2/10


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Reviewing the Charcoal Chicken: Kota Charcoal Chicken (29 Village Ave, VIC 3108 Doncaster)

I think I might have found heaven... perfection.


Perfection. One over used and over expressed word used in modern contemporary society. However Kota Chicken comes inches close to perfection and the charcoal chicken is glorious.


Lets start with the chicken: the tastiest, most succulent, gratifying and satisfying charcoal chicken to ever walk this planet. In comparison to Preston Chicken Shack, Kota goes that extra step further and coats there chicken in lemon & herbs and it soaks right through the skin of the chicken and intensifies the quality and the overall aroma and palatableness.


The breast is absolutely perfect, it is soft, spongy, gracefully charming and magnificent and almost melts in your mouth. The stuffing (although not much of it) is tasty and even the skin is tasty enough to be edible!


The chips are of a different breed to what I have witnessed in the past from other charcoal chicken stores. They are long, filled with a lot of potato, have a decent amount of chicken salt on them and are an exquisite type of chip. The only downfall is the amount which you receive;. A large chips felt like a small size compared to the Preston Chicken Shack. But needless to say the quality derives from the top shelf of the charcoal chicken style chips rack and compliments the chicken delicately.


Another factor of Kota chicken which surprised me the most for a Charcoal Chicken store is the immense effort and presentation in which they put into their delightful salads. There are at least 7 different types of salad available and most are very palatable to say the least.


Now let's get onto the service: Incredibly friendly staff, incredibly clean tables inside and out, incredibly top notch service. The manager and the staff ensured we are always greeted with a smile and they go out of their way to make you happy. There was one instance which I was joking with the manager and asked her if she sold any yoghurt, she then goes in the back and comes out with a bowel of yoghurt! If that's not top notch service I don't know what is! Cutlery is clean, plates are elegant, generous with their napkins (however there are none on the table) and also gave my little 5 year old sister a special shaped love heart plate! (see images on side)


Parking outside is suitable at minimal of 1 hour parking in the shopping centre.
The price is a little bit expensive for a decent charcoal chicken at around
$15 for half a chicken and chips but is surely worth the price.


Bottom line: The only downfall of Kota chicken is the price which is not significantly elevated and I can go along to say that Kota chicken is the best charcoal chicken store which I have come across in Melbourne and no store has even come close!


KOTA charcoal chicken rating

9.8/10

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